Hard Day

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2013

They don't want you to quit. They want you to be a safe practitioner, and it's hard for them to see you being that if you are spacing out, skipping things, and all.

If she's offering to work with you, take it.

You have noticed that you're doing too much with full time work-- cut back. yes, you do need to do that. Listen up: You need more time to devote to your education to get the most out of it...and to pass it.

lmccrn62, MSN, RN · Apr 23, 2013

I am sorry but nursing school is hard and overwhelming. As a instructor myself I always would work to help students get themselves together. I would strongly suggest creating a calendar of what your school projects are, clinical dates, study times and even personal stuff and make this calendar your life line. You can do it! You just need to be able to organize yourself which will be key when you are a practicing nurse.

nccna · Apr 23, 2013

As long as you're passing you shouldn't worry too much. Missing clinical days is pretty unacceptable though, so be sure to kick that habit before continuing on. Year one of nursing school is super hard, surely you heard the horror stories of nursing school? I have no doubt that when you pass nursing school you'll be a great nurse though. There are tons of ways to stay organized, and with the advent of smartphones its easier than ever. My first page in my nursing binder is my scheduled tasks. Use whatever organizing methods you want, but when you get down time be sure to blow off steam the best way you know how! Go out drinking with your SN buddies if you need to. Being a part of a study group also helps, as you all tend to help each other out.

snowwhite1976 · Apr 23, 2013

I wish I could cut back on work, but I really can't. I have worked for the same co for 16 years and there is a possibility I could use my degree in a position at my current job. I also carry health insurance through work for my husband and children. My husband's job does not offer coverage. Thank you for your responses. I just get overwhelmed with all the assignments. I was finding it easier to just concentrate on one thing at a time. I don't have a smartphone, but I could print out the calendar and keep in my school binder. Considering we only have one more week left this semester it is something I will work on in 4th semester. I just hope I get there.

julz68 · Apr 24, 2013

I was in the exact same position as you a little over a year ago. I was working FT at my hospital as an aide, carried the insurance for my family (husband & 4 kids) all while going to school. The last year of school I was dangerously close to not passing. I was missing classes because I was just plain exhausted from working 12 hour night shifts, doing homework and taking care of my family. I asked my manager if I could go PT but there were no positions available. I ultimately had to go PRN so I could focus on school. We lost our insurance, my income was next to nothing and to top it all off, my husband was laid off. We were in dire straits! I even thought of quitting school so I could go back to working FT. But, I decided I had worked too hard to throw it all away. We took advantage of free clinics when the kids or we were sick, had to go to the food bank a few times, cut back on any unnecessary expenses, shopped at thrift stores etc. It was rough! We certainly struggled to make ends meet on a daily basis. But, it all paid off in the end...my grades improved, I got free counseling from school (I have depression and being that poor and struggling made it worse...besides the fact I couldn't afford my meds any longer) and I graduated in Dec 2012! Passed NCLEX Feb 4th, got hired back at my hospital as an RN full time Feb 12th, started working Feb 19th and now have been off orientation for almost 3 weeks. Couldn't be happier!!

I. Love. My. Job!

If you want it bad enough, you will make the sacrifice. Believe me, that year was the toughest of my entire life...financially, mentally and emotionally. But it was totally worth it in the end and I couldn't be happier. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. I wish you all the best. If I could do it, so can you!!!

:)

nccna · Apr 24, 2013

Julz is completely correct. Stories like the one Julz has is the main reason why when you ask many people about nursing school, there is a slight hesitation before speak that way they can think of a way to tell their story without scaring you. You've made it past year one, so your organization skills cant be that bad. As for work, consider switching to a different department if needed such as admissions or dietary, I'm sure your DON will understand. I remember my first year, I couldn't even afford the internet so I did most of my school work at free Wi-Fi spots like McDonalds. Also if your husband is not going to school, and you have extra family to help watch the kids, he needs a second job end of story.

Proton · Apr 24, 2013

I was in the exact same position as you a little over a year ago. I was working FT at my hospital as an aide, carried the insurance for my family (husband & 4 kids) all while going to school. The last year of school I was dangerously close to not passing. I was missing classes because I was just plain exhausted from working 12 hour night shifts, doing homework and taking care of my family. I asked my manager if I could go PT but there were no positions available. I ultimately had to go PRN so I could focus on school. We lost our insurance, my income was next to nothing and to top it all off, my husband was laid off. We were in dire straits! I even thought of quitting school so I could go back to working FT. But, I decided I had worked too hard to throw it all away. We took advantage of free clinics when the kids or we were sick, had to go to the food bank a few times, cut back on any unnecessary expenses, shopped at thrift stores etc. It was rough! We certainly struggled to make ends meet on a daily basis. But, it all paid off in the end...my grades improved, I got free counseling from school (I have depression and being that poor and struggling made it worse...besides the fact I couldn't afford my meds any longer) and I graduated in Dec 2012! Passed NCLEX Feb 4th, got hired back at my hospital as an RN full time Feb 12th, started working Feb 19th and now have been off orientation for almost 3 weeks. Couldn't be happier!!
I. Love. My. Job!
If you want it bad enough, you will make the sacrifice. Believe me, that year was the toughest of my entire life...financially, mentally and emotionally. But it was totally worth it in the end and I couldn't be happier. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. I wish you all the best. If I could do it, so can you!!!
:)

Seriously inspirational. Thank you for sharing such a real and relatable experience.

julz68 · Apr 24, 2013

Seriously inspirational. Thank you for sharing such a real and relatable experience.

Anytime :)

weemsp · Apr 24, 2013

Dear Snow white...

While I agree with the previous posts...allow me to add a few important points.

Listen very carefully to your instructors! If they are expressing concern for you, it's because they know that the need for " multi-tasking" expertise will not stop once you're done school. The need for organization and time management skills are imperative for any nurse...in any nursing discipline. And while we are in the industry of " caring"...it has been my experience that very few unit managers/DONs couldn't care less what our personal circumstances are. We are either " up to the job" or we aren't.

Having said that, I have no doubts that you are committed and will make a fabulous nurse once you hop these hurdles!

Wishing you encouragement!!...don't give up!